Steven Butler, the Asia program director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, was traveling to Pakistan to attend a human rights conference when he was stopped upon entry in the eastern city of Lahore. “Pakistani authorities should give a full explanation of their decision to bar Butler from entering and correct this error. But in recent months, journalists have complained of a systematic crackdown on press freedom and increased pressure from the government and intelligence agencies. Journalists say the powerful military has stifled criticism, and the government has exhibited a brittle attitude toward critical journalists. The move to deny entry to Butler is seen as the latest example of the challenges faced by journalists and journalist watchdog groups in Pakistan.

Source: bd News24 October 18, 2019 20:15 UTC